Bose SoundLink On-EarHEADPHONES REVIEW

What it is:
This is the combination of the different use cases to evaluate how versatile the headphones are. Therefore an everyday headphone should be well-rounded enough to adapt to most situations and environments without significant losses in sound quality, design ergonomics or isolation.

What it is:
The level of audio fidelity a headphone can reproduce. Therefore a balanced and true representation of bass, mids, treble, soundstage and imaging, as well as a comfortable listening experience, is essential for critical listening.

What it is:
How well the headphones handle the loud environments involved in commuting or traveling. Therefore your listening experience should be comfortable, hassle-free and as isolated from noise as possible.

What it is:
How well-adapted the headphones are, to use while doing sports or strenuous exercise. Therefore the headphones should not be too cumbersome and deliver a stable and comfortable listening experience.

The Bose SoundLink On-Ear are decent wireless on-ear headphones. They're comfortable and deliver a stable listening experience. Their sound quality is above-average, and they have an efficient control scheme. Sadly, they don't block much noise and leak quite a bit. They won't be ideal for traveling and may disturb people around you at higher volumes.

Update 2/16/2018:
Converted to Test Bench 1.2.
Update 9/28/2017:
The microphone has been tested with our new methodology, as explained hereUpdate 8/10/2017:
Converted to Test Bench 1.1. Learn more about our new versioned test bench system here.

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Design

The Soundlink On-Ear are well-crafted, stylish headphones that deliver a comfortable and stable listening experience. Their build quality feels durable, and they have above-average audio controls with good tactile feedback. However, the buttons feel a little cramped on the ear cup, and they're also not stable enough for high-intensity sports and will slip off your ears while running.

Style

The Bose SoundLink On-Ear, closely resemble the Bose QuietComfort 25 but in a more compact design. They have the same fabric-covered padding for the headband and the two-tone black and blue color scheme. They look sleek and stylish and are well-crafted headphones.

7.5Comfort

What it is:
Adjustability and degrees of freedom, pressure, stiffness and weight.

When it matters:
When the headphones are going to be used for long durations.

What it is:
The force that the headphones exert on your head, once you have them on. This is purely a measurement of the force applied, which does not take into account the earpad's surface area and the resulting pressure you will feel, on or around your ears.

When it matters:
The tighter the headphones, the more force they put on your head. This can get uncomfortable or cause pain and soreness during long listening sessions.

The SoundLink On-Ear are very comfortable headphones, especially for an on-ear design. They're lightweight, and the ear cups' padding is soft and cushions the ear well without applying too much pressure. The headband is also decently padded and does not feel tight on your head. However, the small ear cups, make a comfortable fit a little harder to achieve. The SoundLink Over-Ear may be a better choice for some listeners that do not find the on-ear fit as comfortable.

Button layout and functionality is above-average but feels a little cramped. These headphones offer; track-skipping, call/music, and volumes controls and the corresponding buttons deliver good tactile feedback. Unfortunately, due to the headphones compact size, the buttons feel a little cramped on the right ear cup, which is slightly disappointing.

The Soundlink On-Ear are above-average portable headphones. They fold up into a compact format that doesn't take much space in a bag and could even fit into a jacket pocket. Sadly, they are not as small as some other on-ear models and will not fit in a pants' pocket or a purse like an in-ear design would.

Comes with a soft case that will protect the headphones from scratches but adds a bit more volume. The tough fabric of the case will prevent damages from minor falls. However, it will not absorb greater impacts like a hard case.

The Bose SoundLink On-Ear have a good build quality and are sufficiently sturdy to be to handle a few drops without significant damage. The headband is relatively thick for an on-ear design, and the ear cups are made of dense plastic. Their mostly plastic design and multiple hinges are weak points that could get damaged by wear and tear and moderate physical stress.

These headphones are quite stable. They're able to maintain their position and fit during casual listening sessions. Their wireless design also helps with stability as there are no cables that can get hooked by the environment and yank the headphones of your head. However, they are not designed for sports and will start to slip off your ears during high-intensity activities like jumping and running.

The Bose SoundLink On-Ear are a good sounding pair of closed-back on-ear headphones, one of the best on-ear headphones we've tested so far. They sound as good as the MID ANC; they have a very good and extended bass, a very good mid-range and an excellent treble. Additionally, their mid-range is very slightly recessed and their treble is on the warm side. However, their performance is prone to inconsistencies and could vary a bit from person to person. They also don't have an open and spacious sounding soundstage.

8.6Bass

What it is:
Frequency Response from 20Hz-250Hz

When it matters:
When the material is heavy on bass frequencies, such as those of kick drums and bass guitar.

What it is:
The average amount of over/under-emphasis in frequency response from 250Hz-500Hz.

When it matters:
Most instruments have their fundamentals or low harmonics in this range. Over-emphasis in this range sounds muddy and cluttered. Under-emphasis, thins out the vocals and lead instruments.

What it is:
The average amount of over/under-emphasis in frequency response from 2KHz-5KHz.

When it matters:
Almost all instruments rely on this range for their presence, detail, and articulation. Over-emphasis can sound harsh and painful. Under-emphasis hurts the comprehensibility of vocals and lead instruments.

What it is:
The average amount of over/under emphasis in frequency response from 5KHz-10KHz.

When it matters:
This is the sibilance range. Cymbals, vocals, and lead instruments rely on this range for brightness and presence. Over-emphasis sounds piercing and painful, under-emphasis sounds dull and lispy.

What it is:
The average uncompensated frequency response of the headphone. For in-ears and earbuds, this corresponds to the average of 5 measurements/re-seats on the dummy head (HMS). For over/on-ear headphones, this corresponds to the average of 5 measurements/re-seats on the HMS (Head Measurement System) for the mid and treble ranges, and 5 measurements/re-seats on 5 human subjects for the bass range.

When it matters:
This is for those who want to see the raw and uncompensated frequency response of the headphone. Some of the more advanced users, are able to read and evaluate headphone frequency response in its raw form and without compensation. This will be especially useful to them if they have their own headphone compensation/target curve, which may differ from the compensation curve/target response used by RTINGS.com.

What it is:
Imaging qualities are inherent to the audio content, the headphones have to 'reproduce' them rather than 'create' them. They determine how accurately the objects are positioned in the stereo image, and how transparent the imaging is.

When it matters:
When accurate positioning of the objects in the stereo image, and clear and transparent imaging is desired.

What it is:
The average amount of group delay calculated based on a perceptual weighting filter. Group delay indicates how long it takes for each frequency to reach their maximum amplitude. This is a monaural quality and can be perceived even with one ear.

When it matters:
Headphones with lower group delay have more transparent imaging and a tighter bass. Headphones with higher group delay in the bass range tend to have a wimpy and loose bass, and headphones with higher group delay in the treble range tend to have a less transparent imaging.

What it is:
The Left/Right balance of our test unit, that is, the amount of amplitude difference between the left and right drivers. This is not a design test, but a marker for manufacturing tolerance and ergonomics.

When it matters:
When a properly balanced stereo image and low manufacturing tolerance is desired. A poor score indicates a noticeable difference in level between the left and right drivers.

What it is:
The amount of difference (Std. Err.) between the frequency response of the left and right drivers of our test unit. This is not a design test, but a marker for manufacturing tolerance and ergonomics.

When it matters:
When an even and stable stereo image, as well as a low manufacturing tolerance, is desired. A poor score indicates there may be 'holes' in the stereo image at certain frequencies.

What it is:
The amount of difference (Std. Err.) between the phase response of the left and right drivers of our test unit. This is not a design test, but a marker for manufacturing tolerance and ergonomics.

When it matters:
When an even and stable stereo image, as well as a low manufacturing tolerance is desired. A poor score indicates there may be inaccuracies in the stereo image reproduction at certain frequencies.

What it is:
Soundstage qualities are not inherent to the audio content, the headphones have to 'create' them rather than 'reproduce' them. They determine whether the sound is perceived to be coming from inside or in front of the head, how open and spacious the soundstage is, how much the headphones acoustically interact with the environment, and how strong the phantom center is.

When it matters:
When an accurately produced, large and spacious soundstage, similar to that of a stereo loudspeaker setup is desired.

What it is:
The standard deviation of the PRTF (Pinna-related transfer function) of the headphones compared to a reference loudspeaker's PRTF at 30°. This quality is monaural and can be perceived even with one ear. This test does not apply to in-ears and earbuds, due to the lack of pinna interaction.

When it matters:
An accurate pinna activation is mainly responsible for how natural and speaker-like the soundstage is perceived to be. The less error in the shape of the PRTF, the more natrual and speaker-like the perception of the soundstage will be. High amounts of error may indicate a soundstage that is unnatural or odd.

What it is:
The average amplitude of the PRTF (Pinna-related transfer function) of the headphones compared to that of a reference loudspeaker's PRTF at 30°. This quality is monaural and can be perceived even with one ear. This test does not apply to in-ears and earbuds, due to the lack of pinna interaction.

When it matters:
This value is responsible for the perceived size of the soundstage. The higher the value, the larger the perceived size of the soundstage. However, values above the reference (5.0dB) could result in a soundstage that is perceived as unnatural or odd.

What it is:
The depth of the "10KHz notch" of the headphone's PRTF, which is caused by phase cancellations at the concha. This quality is monaural and can be perceived even with one ear. This test does not apply to in-ears and earbuds, due to the lack of pinna interaction.

When it matters:
This value is mainly responsible for the perceived distance and elevation of the soundstage. A small distance value may result in a soundstage that is perceived to be located inside the head. Larger values may help pull the soundstage out from inside of the head and bring it to the front.

What it is:
How open the headphones are, and how open and spacious they sound. This quality is monaural and can be perceived even with one ear. This test differentiates between acoustically and electronically produced crosstalk and only takes the acoustically generated crosstalk into account. This value is the inverse of the Noise Isolation test score, and could be indirectly related the acoustic impedance of the headphones.

When it matters:
When a headphone with a sense of an open, and spacious soundstage is desired. A value of 10 indicates a fully open headphone, and a value of 0 indicates a fully closed headphone.

What it is:
How loud the headphones are, and how much they excite their environment acoustically. If the headphones are loud and open enough, the sound leaking from the headphones will be affected by the environment (reflections/reverb) before reflecting back into the open headphones and to the listener's ears. This quality is monaural and can be perceived even with one ear. This value is the inverse of the Leakage test score.

When it matters:
Headphones with higher excitation values, similar to openness, tend to have soundstages that are perceived as more open and spacious.

What it is:
How strong and solid the phantom center is. This is mostly a stereo quality and its effects on mono content are minimal. This test is sensitive to the phase of the crosstalk and whether it is produced acoustically or electronically.

When it matters:
When a true reproduction of the stereo image is desired. A value of 0 indicates no crosstalk, or that the existing crosstalk is not correlated enough to affect the phantom center. A negative score means the crosstalk is out of phase with the original signal, resulting in a slightly wider stereo image at the expense of creating a 'hole' at the center of the stereo field. A positive score means the crosstalk is in phase and positively affecting the phantom center.

Isolation

These headphones only isolate passively. They can block a decent amount of high-frequency noise, but because they can't cancel any noise that seeps into the ear cups, they struggle in louder environments. They may let a lot of ambient noise into your listening experience while commuting or traveling and leak quite a bit of sound. They will be distracting to the people around you if you use them in an office at higher volumes.

5.9Noise Isolation

What it is:
How much outside noise is blocked out by putting the headphones on.

When it matters:
If the headphones are going to be used in a noisy envinronment (airplane, subway, etc.)

What it is:
The simulated noise isolation of the headphones, demonstrating how much outside noise is blocked out by putting the headphones on. This recording is created using an EQ and is not an actual recording. For headphones with ANC (active noise cancellation), the playback simulates the isolation with ANC enabled.

When it matters:
When the headphones are going to be used in a noisy envinronment (airplane, subway, etc.)

Poor isolation. However, considering the passive, on-ear design of these headphones the performance is quite decent. The passive isolation provided by the ear cups starts to kick-in at around 200Hz, which is above average. The overall amount of isolation achieved in the mid-range is poor, but these headphones do well in the treble range. The isolation reaches its maximum of 42dB of reduction at 20KHz.

Decent performance. The significant portion of the leakage happens between 1KHz and 3KHz, resulting in a relatively narrow-band leakage. The overall level of the leakage, however, is moderate and could become noticeable at loud volumes.

Microphone

What it is:
The microphone section shows the quality of speech capture and transmission by the mic, as well as how well the microphone under test handles noisy environments.

When it matters:
For your speech to be transmitted to and understood properly by the listener, the microphone needs to have a good recording quality. If the environment the microphone is being used in is noisy, a microphone with a good noise handling performance would be needed as well.

What it is:
The microphone integrated in the ear cup or ear bud of a wireless headphone.

When it matters:
For calls, gaming and voice over IP software or for any other use of the microphone.

Good value:
Yes

:
Yes

In-line

What it is:
The microphone inside the in-line remote of audio cables for wired and wireless headsets.

When it matters:
In-line microphone are usually better than integrated mics. If you need better recording quality and noise handling for calls, gaming and voice over IP software then use the audio cable of your wired or wireless headphone if it has an inline microphone.

Good value:
Yes

:
No

Boom

What it is:
A typically better microphone, that's also adjustable and extends so that the mic is closer to your mouth.

When it matters:
Much better recording quality and noise handling than in-line or integrated mics. Primarily used for gaming and voice over IP software.

Good value:
Yes

:
No

Detachable Boom

What it is:
A boom mic that is detachable from the headset.

When it matters:
If you want to use your headphone outdoors without the bulk and hassle of the Boom mic.

:
N/A

6.0Recording Quality

What it is:
Microphone recording quality shows how natural, neutral, extended and intelligible speech would be with the device under test, in a quiet environment.

When it matters:
A microphone with a good recording quality ensures that the person listening to you would hear a full, clear, and easily understandable speech. Therefore, it is important whenever a good quality of speech transmission and intelligibility is needed.

What it is:
Low-frequency extension shows how deep the bass response of the microphone is, and therefore, how deep and full your voice would sound to the listener. It is the lowest frequency at which the frequency response reaches -3dB of the target response.

When it matters:
LFE is not a big factor in speech intelligibility and even speech recorded with a mic that has an LFE of 500Hz could still be easily understood. Therefore, it is mostly important if you are concerned with how deep and full your voice would be heard.

What it is:
Frequency Response Standard Deviation shows how accurately and balanced sound is captured by the microphone at each frequency. FR Std. Dev. is calculated between LFE and HFE, and the rest of the spectrum is ignored.

When it matters:
A good frequency response is desired when a natural and neutral speech quality is desired. As opposed to HFE which is more a metric for speech intelligibility, frequency response could be considered as a metric for a natural and neutral sound.

What it is:
High-frequency extension is the highest frequency at which the frequency response reaches -3dB of the target response. It shows how extended the treble response of the microphone is.

When it matters:
HFE is one the most important factors in speech intelligibility. The higher the HFE, the brighter, more open, and more extended the speech quality will be which makes it a lot easier to understand by the listener.

What it is:
Shows how much louder the microphone can go above our reference loudness level. The gain value is reported relative to our reference level, which is 94dB at a distance of 5cm from the mouth.

When it matters:
A microphone with a high gain is important when the input signal (speech) is very quiet. For example when whispering, or talking on the phone in a library.

What it is:
Speech to Noise Ratio is the difference in level between speech and background noise as heard by the listener

When it matters:
If the microphone is going to be used in a noisy environment, it is important for it to be able to separate the speech from background noise, so the voice would be easily audible and understandable.

Active Features

What it is:
Headphones with active components that require a battery. This includes noise cancelling and wireless headphones that actively reduce noise or transmit audio via a wireless connection.

When it matters:
How suitable the power and wireless specifications of an active headphone will be, depending on your listening habits. The range and/or discharge time of the active headphone you select will be important if you're often on the move or have long uninterrupted listening sessions.

The SoundLink On-Ear have an average wireless range but a decent latency despite not having aptX or aptX (LL). They also last surprisingly long for their small size and also have and don't take too long to charge. Unfortunately, they won't be the ideal headphones for watching videos or gaming but the latency shouldn't be an issue for audio streaming.

7.8Battery

What it is:
The power source of your headphones. All headphones with active features have a battery that will deplete over time.

When it matters:
To continue using the active features of your headphones. Some models lose features or switch off completely when the battery is drained, which limits what you can do with them until the next charge.

What it is:
The type of battery that the headphones use. Usually AAA or embedded, Li-ion rechargeable batteries.

When it matters:
When your headphones run out of power. Rechargeable batteries usually charge via the headphones Micro-USB port whereas AAA batteries have to be replaced or charged with an external device.

What it is:
Some active headphones remain usable while charging. They continue to stream audio and do not disable other active features.

When it matters:
This makes sure that your headphones's battery are not being drained when your relatively close to a power source. However, this means wireless headphones will need a wired connection to the power source during the charging process.

The SoundLink OE deliver up to 21 hours of continuous play time at average volumes. This makes them decent headphones to use on long flights or road trips as you won't need to charge the battery as often. They also have an adjustable timer that helps prolong the battery life. Unfortunately, you can't use them while they're charging and they also take a quite bit of time to charge. So if you're out of battery, you won't be able to use the headphones for about 2.5 hours.

What it is:
The additional app provided to enhance your listening experience. They typically deliver a set of practical features that give you more control over the sound, noise cancelling and effects that the headphones produce.

When it matters:
An app with a lot of features allows you to customize your listening experience to suit your taste and preferences. For example, additions like an equalizer can give you more bass or treble and room effects can simulate a bigger Soundstage in closed back headphones.

When it matters:
To connect wirelessly to Bluetooth sources like your phone, tablet, console, PC and TV.

Score components:

80%
Multi-Device Pairing

20%
NFC

<1%
PS4 Compatible

<1%
Xbox One Compatible

Score distribution:

Bluetooth Version
:
4.0

Multi-Device Pairing

What it is:
A Bluetooth profile that allows some headphones to be simultaneously connected to multiple Bluetooth sources, and have full call and media support on both/all devices they are connected to.

When it matters:
To quickly switch between your Bluetooth sources. For example, switching from your phone to your home or work PC and still have call and media support on both devices.

Good value:
2 devices.

:
2 Devices

NFC

What it is:
Near Field Communication technology that allows you to quickly, pair your headphones with your Bluetooth and NFC-enabled device.

When it matters:
This makes pairing with an NFC-enabled device a lot easier than the typical and often tedious hold-to-pair procedure that most wireless headphones have.

Good value:
Yes

:
No

PS4 Compatible

What it is:
Bluetooth compatibility with the PlayStation 4.

When it matters:
To connect your headphones wirelessly with your PS4.

Good value:
Audio + Microphone

:
N/A

Xbox One Compatible

What it is:
Bluetooth compatibility with the Xbox One.

When it matters:
To connect your headphones wirelessly with your Xbox one.

Good value:
Audio + Microphone

:
N/A

7.2Wired

What it is:
The type and compatibility of audio cables for wired and wireless headphones.

When it matters:
For all devices with a regular audio jack (line-out) and also compatibility of the in-line remote/boom microphone with consoles and Personal computers.

Score components:

13%
Analog

9%
USB

26%
PS4 Compatible

26%
Xbox One Compatible

26%
PC Compatible

Score distribution:

Cable Tested
:
iOS

Analog

What it is:
A regular 1/8" TRS audio jack or a 1/4 or 1/16 TRS with a 1/8 TRS adapter.

When it matters:
For all devices with a line out.

Good value:
Yes

:
Yes

USB

What it is:
A USB or USB adapter to connect to your devices for audio and microphone.

When it matters:
A digital USB adapter usually offers a slight advantages over a regular audio jack, like a DAC, and amplifier module or software support and compatibility with PCs. However it may not be as compatible with consoles.

Good value:
Yes

:
No

PS4 Compatible

What it is:
PS4 compatibility with a regular 3 or 4 pin 1/8 TRS audio cable.

When it matters:
When you want to use a wired headphone with your PS4

Good value:
Audio + Microphone

:
Audio Only

Xbox One Compatible

What it is:
Xbox One compatibility with a regular 3 or 4 pin 1/8 TRS audio cable.

When it matters:
When you want to use a wired headphone with your Xbox One

Good value:
Audio + Microphone

:
Audio Only

PC Compatible

What it is:
PC compatibility with a regular 3 or 4 pin 1/8 TRS audio cable.

When it matters:
When you want to use a wired headphone with your PC.

Good value:
Audio + Microphone

:
Audio Only

0Base/Dock

What it is:
The base station, dock or dongle transmitter of wireless headphones that receive data/audio via a proprietary frequency range.

When it matters:
Knowing the inputs and outputs of the base/dock/dongle as well as its compatibility with consoles and Personal Computers. Also whether the base supports dock charging to easily recharge the headphones without any cables.

Score components:

5%
Optical Input

22%
Line In

5%
Line Out

22%
USB Input

4%
RCA Input

9%
PS4 Compatible

9%
Xbox One Compatible

9%
PC Compatible

2%
Power Supply

13%
Dock Charging

Score distribution:

Wireless Type

What it is:
The type of wireless connection used by the base station/dock to communicate with the headphones.

When it matters:
For latency and range. For example Radio frequency has low latency but mediocre range when obstructed and proprietary docks have their own 2.x GHz or 5 GHz frequency which varies in performance.

:
N/A

Optical Input

What it is:
Optical input for audio.

When it matters:
Optical can carry a bit more data at faster speeds than typical wired connection which allows for more high quality, lossless audio.

Good value:
Yes

:
N/A

Line In

What it is:
The regular wired input via a 1/8" TRS audio jack.

When it matters:
For any device that has a line out for audio transmission.

Good value:
Yes

:
N/A

Line Out

What it is:
A regular 1/8TRS audio jack output.

When it matters:
If you need to share the audio source with other devices. A line out lets you connect other headphones or speakers to the dock/base station.

Good value:
Yes

:
N/A

USB Input

What it is:
A digital USB input instead of a typical 1/8 TRS line-in.

When it matters:
A USB connection can provide both an audio input and power to the Dock or Base station.

:
N/A

RCA Input

What it is:
Audio input using via an RCA connectors.

When it matters:
Provides better stereo audio to the dock/base that's then transmitted to the headphones.

Good value:
Yes

:
N/A

PS4 Compatible

What it is:
Dock/Base station compatibility with the PlayStation 4.

When it matters:
To be able to use all the features of the dock/base station with out losing audio or microphone capability.

Good value:
Audio + Microphone

:
N/A

Xbox One Compatible

What it is:
Dock/Base station compatibility with the Xbox One.

When it matters:
To be able to use all the features of the dock/base station with out losing audio or microphone capability.

:
N/A

PC Compatible

What it is:
Dock/Base station compatibility with your Personal Computer.

When it matters:
To be able to use all the features of the dock/base station with out losing audio or microphone capability.

Good value:
Audio + Microphone

:
N/A

Power Supply

What it is:
The connector type of the power source.

When it matters:
The accessibility of the power source. For example a power supply with USB/USB-C connects to multiple devices, PC , PS4, Xbox One or even with your regular phone charger whereas a A/C adapter is less common.

Good value:
USB/USB-C

:
N/A

Dock Charging

What it is:
Charging the headphones via the dock/base station instead of a charging cable.

When it matters:
It makes charging your headphones easier and gives you a sport to store your headphones when they are not in use.

Good value:
Yes

:
N/A

7.9Wireless Range

What it is:
Headphones that offer a cable-free listening experience over a wireless network, typically via Bluetooth or radio frequency.

When it matters:
If you don't want to be limited by the length of an audio cable. This means having the freedom to move around in your home or office with a much greater range than an audio cable could provide, especially, if the Bluetooth source is heavy or difficult to carry. Note that wireless range also depends on your Bluetooth sources' signal strength which may vary from device to device or depending on your phone model.

What it is:
The range that the wireless headphones can reach before dropping any audio when the Bluetooth source was placed in another room. We test our obstructed range with a Moto E4 Plus. Results may vary depending on your phone model or Bluetooth source.

When it matters:
If you can't or prefer not to carry your Bluetooth source on you, while listening to your audio in an indoor environment. Although, the obstructed wireless range will slightly depend on your home or office layout. Note that wireless range also depends on your Bluetooth sources' signal strength which may vary from device to device or depending on your phone model.

The Soundlink On-Ear have decent wireless range. They won't be the ideal headphones to use in big homes or offices with a lot of walls, but they deliver a consistent connection just shy of 40ft when the Bluetooth source is in another room. They perform about average in direct line of sight and aren't too difficult to pair. The power switch easily puts the headphones in a pairing state compared to the hold-to-pair procedures some other headphones have. Sadly, they don't offer NFC for the devices that support it, which could have made pairing even simpler.

4.3Latency

What it is:
How long it takes for audio to play through your headphones once the audio signal has been sent from a source.

When it matters:
When gaming or watching movies. High latency means you will hear the audio much later than the images you see on screen.

In the box

Conclusion

What it is:
This is the combination of the different use cases to evaluate how versatile the headphones are. Therefore an everyday headphone should be well-rounded enough to adapt to most situations and environments without significant losses in sound quality, design ergonomics or isolation.

The SuondLink OE are good everyday headphones. They're sufficiently well designed and have an above average sound quality that will satisfy most casual listeners.

7.5Critical Listening

What it is:
The level of audio fidelity a headphone can reproduce. Therefore a balanced and true representation of bass, mids, treble, soundstage and imaging, as well as a comfortable listening experience, is essential for critical listening.

What it is:
How well the headphones handle the loud environments involved in commuting or traveling. Therefore your listening experience should be comfortable, hassle-free and as isolated from noise as possible.

What it is:
How well-adapted the headphones are, to use while doing sports or strenuous exercise. Therefore the headphones should not be too cumbersome and deliver a stable and comfortable listening experience.